DMOZ - a test of ethics

well folks, not to make myself out to be anything special, but I simply do not understand why DMOZ declined my submission to become an editor. My site is already in DMOZ and has been for quite some time. My site is ranking well in the search engines. I applied for a section that should be very popular, and there are tons of sites out there that concentrate on the field.

I really dont mind getting rejected, but I think for something that claims to be "humanly edited", I think it is pretty cheesy that the reason for my decline was left totally blank. The reviewer chose to not give a reason for me not being accepted. What kind of crap is that? If something is done by humans, I would expect for that area to have a reson, not left blank. I can understand generic responses from automated stuff.

 

DMOZ is just like Google, if they do not want you in the Search index you will not be there, there is no equal opportunity for everyone.


There are different reasons some sites are kept out of the SERP's or a directory depending on what resource it is.

In DMOZ's case it could be that the editor is a competitor or just does not care that much about adding quality sites anymore.

 

Well, you just pointed out the problem that everyone is complainng about.......

The site is humanly edited. If editors are keeping sites out, or potential editors out because they dont want competition, that is a huge problem and discredits the whole "humanly edited" basis they are going on.

Not saying that is what is going on, but if what you say is actually happening, that is a big problem.

 

personally i am new to this game but learning more and more all the time.

I have heard so much about this gang and witnessed the antics myself.

Such a shame that it goes this way and in the end, its of no benefit to no-one.

All you can do is do what you can as, in the end, what goes around comes around

Salamander

 

AC, this isn't really about whether or not a particular site is listed, or even about whether a particular site is justly or unjustly excluded or justly or unjustly listed. It's about the wall of secrecy, arrogance, and condescension that surrounds DMOZ and pervades the hallowed cyberhalls of the editors.

It's a private club. It acts exactly like a private club. The problem is that they claim to be something different. The name "Open Directory Project" is a pathetic joke.

 

My problem is not so much the RZ. It is not so much about DMOZ. It is about the fact that those involved with DMOZ are carrying over their agendas to well known forums. The minute I went onto the thread that Minstrel has shown us, another clone appeared and commented trying to character assassinate me. my response is pretty good there and calm and of course he has not yet responded.

DMOZ is living on the image from the past even though the current situations have changed.

 

That was CBP (I understand he and Anthony are buddies). He's now a moderator at WPW in addition to being a DMOZ editor-- he has a huge blind spot when it comes to DMOZ but in other respects is actually quite a reasonable and usually intelligent chap.

 

Well, here is the transcript of my attempt to become an editor for this "project"

http://resource-zone.com/forum/showthread.php?t=33286

I guess I am to just assume that the generic response of "self promotion" is the reason, since I am only already listed in the category I am applying for, and I rank very well in the major search engines.
I am annoyed at the fact I waisted my time on trying to be involved with this nonsense.

 

Ministrel I understand and have no doubt about that. So are Doug's moderators at Ihelpyou who are DMOZ editors. All I can say is this: If you sleep with dogs, someone else will dislike you for passing on fleas. Don't let me get banned here too http://www.webproworld.com/viewtopic.php?p=198016#198016

 

Another long term and well respected editor suddenly 'leaves' after recent events within the ODP. The cracks just keep coming.

 

ST - I gotta say...

This is a battle you aren't going to win... This is all a moot point really - I mean, will it ever change?

And even if it does, will it be as a result of you pissing of a whole bunch of editors?

 

AOL will fire all the editors soon and replace them with automation, just watch and see, as far as Birdie/CBP is concerned he is a blot on the forum circuit and WPW and ODP.

Plus you will never see him even list one of his URL's or websites on any forum, folks like that should never be given the power of a moderator (censor/propagandist) on any forum that has editorial integrity which WPW does not have.

 

oh ... he is birdie? he keeps coming into this thread once in a while just to look - anyways, I'm done with DMOZ ... it's pointless!

 

1. I have read 2 threads at RZ following discussions that interested me from other forums. I have never registered or participated there. I have read enough about the situation to see that there are two sides to the coin - one of which detractors such as yourself rarely acknowledge.
2. Your comment about incessant BS was directed at me, not the RZ. My comments are my own and not copied from the RZ, so I can only conclude that you are being extremely rude. Why am I not surprised that an apology was not forthcoming?
3. condescending - displaying a patronizingly superior attitude.

 

No. That comment was directed at DMOZ in general and the RZ in particular.

However, if the shoe fits...

 

It gets very old. Why anyone would defend their side is beyond me. They do more than enough on RZ and I think they don't need any more help...just MO

And about some forums ... it reminds me of when Rick Schwartz from erealesate (Porn domain master) sent his clones into afternic.com to attack his enemies.


If you want to live your life being someone's instrument or mouthpiece, choose wisely.

Just some general piece of advice for anyone who loves to cut and paste generic ODP answers vs giving his true opinions or shining some light from a different angle.

A good editor just left the ODP ... a really good one.

it is sad to see the clowns running it now. How anyone can be so obsessed with defending them is beyond me.

Once again they can have their RZ but how someone can go into an open forum and try to make us understand them better ... i do not understand it

 

Bernard and Minstrel, you guys are both intelligent members here and both friends of mine, but in the last few days it seems that things are getting personal.

Man you guys are both too good to discuss anything but issues and it seems that it is going beyond that of late.

I value both of your opinions and count you both as great members of DP, stay friends man, you guys have no reason to have a go at each other.

This is about DMOZ guys...............

 

Yes, it is entirely about DMOZ, for me anyway. As I said, Bernard, you are mistaken -- I did not aim that comment at you but at The Resourceless Zone.

 

word to the wise. Dont voice your displeasure about the lack of information the DMOZ folks give you. You just might get banned from there like I have appeared to have been.

Im assuming I was banned. Never have been banned from a forum before and it tells my I dont have access to view anything. Of course, I got no email or anything stating anything about whether I was or not. Gee, kind of like the lack of explanation regarding becoming an editor.

 

Your not missing anything